MAN Energy Solutions, a leading provider of advanced engineering solutions, has secured a significant order from Air Products and Chemicals, to supply compressor trains for a cutting-edge plant dedicated to the production of blue ammonia and hydrogen.
The new Clean Energy Complex, located in Darrow, Louisiana, will play a crucial role in the global hydrogen market and the transportation and mobility sectors by generating more than 750 million standard cubic feet of blue hydrogen daily.
The Clean Energy Complex, initiated by Air Products, is a groundbreaking venture that aims to address pressing challenges in the energy sector. The main goals of the complex include the large-scale production of blue hydrogen and blue ammonia. Blue hydrogen is produced from natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, effectively reducing its carbon footprint. Blue ammonia, a carrier of hydrogen, can be utilized in various industrial processes and applications, fostering the development of a sustainable hydrogen-based economy.
MAN Energy Solutions will be providing six air-compressor trains as a crucial component of the air-separation unit within the Clean Energy Complex. The core function of these trains is to separate air into its primary constituents, oxygen, and nitrogen, which are essential for the production of both hydrogen and ammonia. The scope of work includes two main air-compressor trains, two booster air-compressor trains, and two gaseous nitrogen compressor trains. All of these will be electrically driven, enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the complex.
The main air-compressor trains, boasting three centrifugal stages, have an impressive capacity of delivering more than 600,000 Nm3/h of air. The booster compressors, equipped with integrally geared types, play a crucial role in achieving high-pressure demands while optimizing energy consumption. These cutting-edge compressor technologies are designed to maximize performance while reducing energy consumption, making them ideal for air-separation applications in large-scale hydrogen and ammonia production.
The establishment of the Clean Energy Complex is a significant step forward in the transition to a clean and sustainable energy landscape. By producing large quantities of blue hydrogen and ammonia, the complex will have a positive impact on reducing carbon emissions and promoting the adoption of clean energy solutions. The hydrogen and ammonia produced at the facility will be transported through an extensive pipeline network along the U.S. Gulf Coast, ensuring accessibility to various industrial sectors and global markets.
Additionally, the complex’s commitment to capturing and permanently storing approximately 95% of its CO2 emissions, amounting to over 5 million tons per year, demonstrates its dedication to environmental responsibility and combating climate change.
The partnership between MAN Energy Solutions and Air Products marks a significant milestone in the advancement of the hydrogen and ammonia sectors. The Clean Energy Complex’s focus on blue hydrogen and ammonia production showcases the potential for clean energy solutions to play a pivotal role in the global energy transition. By harnessing cutting-edge compressor technology and promoting responsible environmental practices, the complex has the potential to drive the growth of the hydrogen economy and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
